The National Collegiate Athletic Association

I've had the privilege for the past few years to be apart of the NCAA Division II National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. It's been a great opportunity to get an inside look to the NCAA and what it does in regards to collegiate student-athletes. From the readings we've had in class, to the opinion of my classmates - I've noticed that some education about what the NCAA really is needs to be brought to light. I understand that not everyone gets to sit in a room with NCAA President Mark Emmert but I will try to keep it simple and keep it real.

The most important FACT that the general public needs to understand is that the NCAA does not make any money from football. They have nothing to do with the television contracts, multiple sponsorship agreements, and any other activity relating to football from a monetary standpoint. It is all regulated from individual institutions and conferences. Where the NCAA does actually make their money is from the Division I NCAA Men's Basketball championship. The television contract they have with CBS sports generates enough revenue to run the NCAA as well as other championships, programming, and other NCAA institutions with cold hard cash (used to support their athletic departments). 96% of that money is spent championships, programming, etc... Only 4% us actually used to run the NCAA. It is FIRST AND FOREMOST a non-profit organization. So, the general assumption that the NCAA is a bunch of fat cats sitting on top of millions and millions of dollars made by the backbones of the student-athletes is completely incorrect.

What should be examined, as we've noticed in class are the responsibilities of individual institutions - especially at the Division I level. The money they make are being spent quickly and in large sums, whether it be coaches' salaries or multi-million dollar facility renovations and construction. So the perception of what is happening is driven by what the media is spewing out, and I hate to say it the media really needs to do some research.

The NCAA isn't perfect, but it is a governing body that is working hard to ensure the best experiences for student-athletes in college, period. It is important that they exist and it is essential that they help regulate. Education and awareness of what this organization does needs to be put forth, so the general public really understands what it's about.


Jennifer Chow (KIN 577)